Parliamentary questions
Alex Neil
3,059 questions tabled in the Scottish Parliament, most recent first.
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will confirm that the identification of Shirley McKie’s fingerprint in 1997 has been disputed within the Scottish Criminal Record Office from the outset.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23968 on 13 April 2006. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament's website, the search facility forwhich can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23887 by Allan Wilson on 16 March 2006, if there have been no discussions between it and Her Majesty’s Government on the subject of new nuclear stations in Scotland how it can be sure that there are no proposals to build new nuclear power stations an…
Answer · Allan Wilson: As noted in my answer to questionS2W-23887 on 16 March 2006, Executive officials are engaged in the UK Energy Review.This includes consideration of the role of all generating technologies – includingnuclear.</p><p>TheExecutive’s position on nuclear power rema…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23957 by Allan Wilson on 14 March 2006, whether this answer indicates that, if construction of an electricity-generating station with capacity of less than 50 megawatts is proposed, consent from Scottish ministers is not required for construction to …
Answer · Allan Wilson: The Electricity Act sets outthe capacity thresholds above which power stations can only be constructed, operatedor extended with the consent of the Scottish ministers. In most instances the thresholdis 50 megawatts (MW), but in the case of power stations whol…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23957 by Allan Wilson on 14 March 2006, whether this answer indicates that Scottish ministers will withhold consent under section 36(1) of the Electricity Act 1989 if construction of a new nuclear power station is proposed and the Executive remains u…
Answer · Allan Wilson: In accordance with ministers’duties under the Electricity Act 1989 any application to construct a new nuclearpower station would be fully considered on its individual merits. However, the Executive’spolicy, as stated in the Partnership Agreement, creates a pr…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-23873 and S2W-23874 by Tavish Scott on 15 March 2006, whether it considers it to be desirable that new train stations at Abronhill and Mossend are developed.
Answer · Tavish Scott: Transport Scotlandwill consider the case for the provision of new stations at Abronhill and atMossend if a suitable case for either is presented for consideration by theRegional Transport Partnership concerned.</p><p>Transport Scotland hasthe operational resp…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-23924 and S2W-24109 by Tavish Scott on 16 and 20 March 2006 respectively, when it expects an announcement to be made in respect of the feasibility study by Falkirk Council to improve rail services along the A80-M80 corridor, including opening a tra…
Answer · Tavish Scott: I anticipate that I will be ina position to respond to the study of a new strategic Park and Ride site at Allandalebefore the end of May.</p><p>Further issues will remain outstandingin relation to improving the rail services on the route, which will be consid…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23877 by Tavish Scott on 16 March 2006, whether it will now consider commissioning an assessment of the annual cost to the Scottish economy caused by traffic delays as a result of the collection of tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges.
Answer · Tavish Scott: Ministers are committed totaking forward a wider examination of the economic, social and environmentalimpact and cost of retaining or removing tolls from the Tay and Forthbridges, on Fife and Dundee. The proposals for this will be reported on as soonas possib…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will make available the report of the public local inquiry into proposals to upgrade the A80 prepared by the Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit in advance of it making a decision and, if not, whether it will consider making it available to those who gave evidence to the …
Answer · Tavish Scott: The reporter’s report willnot be made available until such times as a decision has been reached byScottish ministers.</p><p>When Scottish ministers havereached their decision, it will be made public by sending copies of the reportand the decision letter to ob…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23743 by Colin Boyd QC on 14 March 2006, whether, without stating what the advice was, it has sought advice as to whether the process known as “extraordinary rendition” is illegal in Scots law or international law.
Answer · Colin Boyd: As I stated in my answer toquestion S2W-23743, answered on 14 March 2006, the Scottish Executive does notgenerally disclose whether the advice of the Scottish Law Officers has beensought or obtained in relation to any particular matter.</p><p>All answers to w…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23914 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 March 2006, how this answer indicates whether it, rather than the police, has received any “specific, credible information” supporting any allegation that US agencies have used Scottish airports as refuelling stops for f…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23994 on 16 March 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23834 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 March 2006, whether Her Majesty’s Government has given any indication that the Executive will be required to contribute to any UK response to Senator Marty’s final report once it has been published in full.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: As Senator Marty’s inquiryis still on-going, it is too early to speculate whether Her Majesty’sGovernment will require a contribution from the Scottish Executive to anyresponse.</p><p>I therefore cannot add tothe answer I gave to question S2W-23834.</p>
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it has been required to contribute to any UK submission to the inquiry by Senator Marty into allegations that the CIA has illegally abducted and transported terror suspects across European borders.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The Scottish Executive has astrong record in contributing to the UK Government’s response to routine and adhoc inquiries by international bodies on a variety of subjects, including torture.We also seek actively to develop our relationship with international h…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23752 by Cathy Jamieson on 15 March 2006, why it had nothing to add to its previous answer to question S2W-22493 given that question S2W-23752 sought different information.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23994 on 16 March 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23750 by Cathy Jamieson on 8 March 2006, why has it refused to state what the purpose has been of its internal discussions regarding the matter of US agencies using Scottish airports as refuelling stops for flights allegedly involved in the process o…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: As I made clear in my answerto question S2W-21574 on 22 December 2006, our internal discussions have focused on the handlingof parliamentary questions and other enquiries. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23994 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 March 2006, how does this answer indicate whether or not they have discussed with Her Majesty’s Government the briefing paper sent by the Foreign Office to the Prime Minister’s Office stating that people captured by Brit…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The Scottish Executive hasregular discussions with the UK Government on a variety of issues and across avariety of portfolios. However, all such discussions are subject to anestablished undertaking of mutual confidentiality so as to allow for the free and fra…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23835 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 March 2006, how does this answer indicate why it does not intend taking a position on the opinions expressed by Lord Steyn.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the member to the answer to question S2W-23994 on 16 March 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23833 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 March 2006, whether the Minister for Justice’s statement that she suggested to Angus Robertson MP that “the author of the report take the information in the report to the police” indicates that it believes there was cre…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: It is not for ministers to judge the credibility, or otherwise, of the information in the report. That would appropriately be a matter for the police.
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23831 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 March 2006 where it states that it “has not approved and will not approve a policy of facilitating the transfer of individuals through Scottish territory or airspace to places where there are substantial grounds to belie…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: Officials have discussed withUK Government Departments the allegations that Scottish airports have been usedfor the transportation of US prisoners to countries where they might be subjectedto torture (so-called “extraordinary rendition”). The position remains…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-23748, S2W-23831, S2W-23835 and S2W-23994 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 March 2006 and given that the Executive has stated that it “has not approved and will not approve a policy of facilitating the transfer of individuals through Scottish territory or a…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The Scottish Executive is clearthat no enquiry can be undertaken in response to unsubstantiated allegations.</p><p>Should information come to lightwhich the police regard as credible and reliable and indicating that criminal offencesmay have been committed, t…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-23748, S2W-23831, S2W-23835 and S2W-23994 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 March 2006 where it states that it “is not aware of any credible and reliable information to support the allegations that Scottish airports are being used” for the purpose of transfe…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the Member to thequestion S2W-23994 answered on 16 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility forwhich can be found at: <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.s…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-23748, S2W-23831, S2W-23835 and S2W-23994 by Cathy Jamieson on 16 March 2006 where it states that it “is not aware of any credible and reliable information to support the allegations that Scottish airports are being used” for the purpose of transfe…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: I refer the Member to thequestion S2W-23994 answered on 16 March 2006. All answers to written parliamentaryquestions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility forwhich can be found at: <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/webapp/wa.s…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it was aware of the current Solicitor General’s party political affiliation when she was appointed to the post and, if so, what account was taken of it.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: <i>The Scotland Act 1998</i> provides at Section 48(1) for the appointment of theLord Advocate and the Solicitor General, with the approval ofParliament. I refer to the motion of the First Minister for the appointment for thecurrent Solicitor General (col 421…
21 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Lord Advocate has attended any party political meetings in his official capacity since his appointment to the post.
Answer · Colin Boyd: I have not attended anyparty political meetings in an official capacity since taking up my currentappointment in February 2000. I have, however, attended the Scottish Conferenceof the Labour Party, but in a personal capacity, as a member of the LabourParty. I…
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answers to questions S2W-20247, S2W-23158 and S2W-23156 by Cathy Jamieson on 9 November 2005, 17 February and 10 March 2006 respectively, how these answers indicate (a) whether the dispute on the identification of certain fingerprints between the Aberdeen Fingerprint Burea…
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The disagreement concerns anidentification in a case that has been concluded. There is no evidence thatthere is any disagreement within the Scottish Fingerprint Service (SFS) aboutany other case. The previous answers to which the question refers set out theme…
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23157 by Cathy Jamieson on 8 March 2006, whether it will list those individuals who have reviewed the material which is the subject of the dispute between the Aberdeen Fingerprint Bureau and the Scottish Criminal Record Office in the last nine years …
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: As I indicated in reply toS2W-23157 answered on 8 March 2006, over the last 9 years the disputed fingerprint markhas been examined by a number of experts who have reached different conclusionson the ownership of the mark. The Scottish Executive does not hold …
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23157 by Cathy Jamieson on 8 March 2006, whether any of these reviews have been undertaken by peers inside the (a) Aberdeen, (b) Dundee, (c) Edinburgh or (d) Glasgow Fingerprint Bureau.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: It is a matter of publicrecord that some experts in the Aberdeen and Edinburgh fingerprint bureaux have taken a different view onthe identification of this print to their colleagues in the Glasgowbureau.</p>
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23578 by Cathy Jamieson on 13 March 2006, whether the tribunal was set up as a result of concerns expressed by the public about the Lord Advocate’s decision not to prosecute the person who allegedly carried out the assault.
Answer · Colin Boyd: The Inquiry’s remit did not coverthe decision not to prosecute any of the officers involved. In explaining why itwas inappropriate to examine the decisions of the prosecutor, the then Prime Minister,Mr Harold McMillan, stated:</p><p>“It is an established prin…
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S2W-23578 by Cathy Jamieson on 13 March 2006, whether the tribunal revisited the decision by the then Lord Advocate not to prosecute the person who allegedly carried out the assault.
Answer · Colin Boyd: No. I also refer the member tothe answer to question S2W-24268 on 27 March 2006. All answers to writtenparliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facilityfor which can be found at <ahref="http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/we…
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Solicitor General provides advice to its Cabinet on political as well as legal matters and whether she has done so in the past.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The Solicitor General does notprovide advice on political matters. The Solicitor General attends Cabinet wheneverthe Lord Advocate is unable to in order to provide legal advice where it is sought.</p>
15 Mar 2006 · Written Question
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the Lord Advocate provides advice to its Cabinet on political as well as legal matters and whether he has done so in the past.
Answer · Cathy Jamieson: The Lord Advocate provides legaladvice to the Scottish Cabinet where it is sought. He does not provide advice onpolitical matters.</p>